Top Chef Finalist Opens His 27th Restaurant in Oregon

Twenty-six restaurants weren’t enough. Number twenty-seven just landed, and it’s got a Top Chef finalist’s name on the door.

Anyone who has followed this chef’s career knows the pattern: bold flavors, confident technique, and a habit of turning a new address into the place everyone suddenly wants a table at. Expect plates that look sharp and taste even better, with enough surprise to keep regulars guessing.

Opening one restaurant is hard. Opening twenty-seven takes a kind of stamina most chefs only daydream about. Each new spot has to earn its own identity, and this one is already drawing curious diners who want to see what the latest chapter looks like.

Foodies in Oregon tend to notice quickly when something worth chasing arrives.

A Famous Chef Lands in the Pearl

Some chefs open one restaurant and call it a career. Brian Malarkey is not that kind of chef. Fans first got to know him as a finalist on Top Chef, where his playful style and bold flavors stood out.

Since then, he has built a whole family of restaurants, mostly in Southern California. The Malarkey in Portland is his 27th, and it carries his name right on the door. That feels like a promise, and honestly, a fun one.

The Pearl District suits the project well. The neighborhood is full of old warehouses, art galleries, and tree-lined streets that are easy to wander before dinner. Locals have welcomed a big, lively room that brings fresh energy to the area.

On busy nights, the chef has even been spotted in the dining room, greeting guests with an upbeat grin. Getting a hello from a TV chef while bread arrives at the table? Not a bad way to start an evening in Oregon.

The Old Oba Space, Totally Reborn

Portland old-timers will recognize the address. For years, this corner was home to Oba, a well-loved spot in the Pearl. My first reaction after stepping inside was simple: wow, they changed everything.

The renovation is not a quick coat of paint. Walls, lighting, seating, and flow have all been reworked into an open layout that feels bright and welcoming. You can tell a lot of planning went into making the room feel brand new while still fitting the neighborhood.

There is something sweet about a building getting a second life. Cities grow by reusing spaces, and this one now hums with a fresh crowd across many ages. Couples, friend groups, and families all seem to find a comfortable corner.

Tip for curious visitors: take a slow lap before sitting down. Little design choices pop up everywhere, from shapes in the lighting to surprise details tucked along the walls. It is a bit like a treasure hunt, only with focaccia waiting at the end.

Colorful Walls Full of Portland Winks

Portland has a quirky side, and this room leans right into it. Bold murals, graffiti-style art, and bright pops of color cover the space. It is loud to the eyes in the best way.

Look closer and the fun gets deeper. The menu and decor tip their hats to old-school Portland people and places, including names that longtime locals will smile at. One drink is even named after Ramblin Rod, the beloved kids TV host many Oregonians grew up watching.

For travelers, these nods turn dinner into a small history lesson. Ask your server about a name you do not recognize. Chances are there is a local story behind it, and staff are happy to share.

Hidden gems pop up in odd spots too. A sign here, a playful piece there, each one adding to the feeling that the place was built by people who truly love this city. Bring your phone, because the walls practically ask for a photo.

A Big Room With a Beating Heart

Big is the right word here. The dining room is huge, one of the largest new restaurants Portland has seen open in quite a while. Right in the middle sits a lively central counter that acts like the heart of the whole place.

Seats near that center are great for people watching. You will see friends celebrating birthdays, couples on date night, and a few folks snapping pictures of every plate. Everyone looks like they are having a good time, and that mood spreads fast.

So is it quiet? Nope. The room is buzzy and full of chatter, which makes it perfect for a fun night out and less ideal for whispering secrets. Groups especially love it.

There is also a private space in the back, a handy option for parties or special events. Planning a milestone dinner with family? That back room could make things easy, giving your group its own corner while still feeling part of the excitement.

Starters Worth Sharing Around the Table

Family style is the smartest move here, and I will stand by that. Order a few plates from each section, pass them around, and let everyone taste a bit of everything. It turns dinner into a friendly little adventure.

Start with the grilled focaccia. It comes out crispy and a touch charred outside, soft and warm inside, with whipped butter that disappears quickly. Fair warning, you may want a second order.

Oysters show up often on tables, served with a house hot sauce that gives them a zippy kick. The crab cake is a crowd favorite and surprisingly generous in size. The tomato salad is another bright, fresh pick that many guests order again and again.

Seafood fans have plenty more options, like steamed clams in a rich broth, halibut ceviche, and a shrimp cocktail people rave about. Pork belly burnt ends bring sweet, tender bites too. Just mention any allergies early, since some dishes include nuts.

Wood Fire and the Steakhouse Side

Smoke is the secret ingredient. Steaks here are cooked over a wood fire, and you can taste that gentle, campfire flavor in each bite. It is a very Pacific Northwest touch.

The menu calls itself a steakhouse, yet it offers far more than beef. Choices include filet, New York strip, a large porterhouse, pork tomahawk, salmon, fried rabbit, and even a whole fried fish. Picky eaters and bold eaters can both find something.

Sides deserve real attention. Potatoes cooked in beef tallow are crispy and rich, easily one of the standouts. Fire-roasted carrots come with a beautiful sauce, smoked cabbage salad brings crunch, and jojos give a nod to a classic Northwest snack.

Save room for dessert. The apple churro a la mode is a cozy, cinnamon-sweet finish, while simple scoops of ice cream prove that basic can be wonderful. Apple crisp is another warm option. Nobody leaves hungry, that much is certain.

Service That Keeps the Night Moving

Good service can quietly make a whole night. At The Malarkey, the hosts greet guests warmly right at the door, even walk-ins hoping for a seat. That first smile sets the tone. Servers know the menu well and love giving suggestions. Not sure what to order? Ask.

Many diners have discovered their favorite plate, like the steelhead crudo, simply by trusting a staff recommendation. Small touches stand out too. Some servers leave a menu at the table so you can plan your next round, swap out linens mid-meal, and keep water glasses filled.

Families celebrating special moments have shared how the team made them feel truly welcome, even bringing food out for a toddler.

For such a large and packed room, the crew moves with impressive calm. Plates arrive with nice timing, and check-ins feel friendly rather than pushy. Staff here seem genuinely happy to be part of your celebration, whether it is an anniversary, a birthday, or just a Tuesday.

When the DJ Takes Over

Around eight on weekend nights, the mood shifts. A DJ steps into the booth in the corner, and the room slowly turns from dinner spot into a small celebration. Heads start bobbing. Feet start tapping.

Playlists tend to mix upbeat favorites, the kind of songs almost everyone knows. Think Bruno Mars, Dua Lipa, and Daft Punk. By nine o’clock, some guests even get up and dance near their tables, which is honestly a joy to see.

This is what makes the place different from a typical steakhouse. Dinner here is less about hushed voices and more about good energy. It suits birthdays, group outings, and anyone who wants their evening to feel a little like a party.

Prefer a calmer meal? Book an earlier table, when music plays at a softer level and conversation comes easily. Either way, the soundtrack adds a playful layer that matches the bright walls and busy tables perfectly.

The Bathroom Everyone Talks About

Yes, a bathroom gets its own section. Trust me on this one. Guests often leave talking about it almost as much as the crab cake.

Inside, a disco ball spins above, colorful lights flash, and upbeat music keeps the party going. It is silly, bold, and totally on brand for a chef known for his playful spirit. Stepping in feels a bit like finding a tiny dance club hidden behind a door.

Little surprises like this say a lot about a restaurant. They show that the team cared about every inch of the space, not just the dining room. Fun was clearly part of the plan from day one.

So even if you do not need to go, take a peek. Many visitors snap a quick photo or video to share with friends later. Just remember that others might be waiting, so keep your disco moment short and sweet before heading back to your table and dessert.

Planning Your Visit, Hours and Handy Tips

A little planning goes a long way here. Since the restaurant is still new and very popular, tables can book up weeks ahead. Reserving about two weeks early is a smart idea, especially for weekends.

Walk-ins sometimes get lucky with seats at the central counter, so arriving right at opening can pay off. Dinner starts at 4:30 PM every day. Service runs until 9 PM Sunday through Thursday and until 10 PM on Friday and Saturday.

Think of this as a special occasion meal. Prices lean toward the higher side, so sharing plates helps you taste more without overdoing it. A brunch menu is also on the horizon, giving daytime visitors something to look forward to.

Before or after dinner, stroll the Pearl District and enjoy its galleries and shops. You will find The Malarkey at 1210 NW Hoyt St, Portland, OR 97209, ready to serve up smoke, color, and a very good time.